Tag...You're It!

Rarely do I ever give in and participate in a tagged post {why, I don't really know} but Ashley over at Places to Go, Things to Buy tagged me and I thought why not! The rules are as follows:
**You must post the rules

**Post 11 Fun Facts about yourself 

**Answer the 11 questions that the tagger posted for you & then create 11 questions to ask the people you've tagged

**Tag 11 people and link them in your post

**Let them know you have tagged them

Eleven Fun Facts About Moi
1. I'm an only child who does not like to share...things are about to change, right?
2. I have visited 38 of the states and hope to visit all someday...still to tackle: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin
3. I love to make lists, just so I can cross things off when I complete them
4. I love to cook, but baking is my favorite thing to do...gotta satisfy that sweet tooth
5. I am horrible about returning phone calls-I'd much rather email or text. Sad but true
6. I color code the appointments/meetings/dates/etc I have in my planner-OCD at its best
7. I used to be an adventureous one...skydiving for my 23rd birthday was my fav thing ever
8. I hate my legs-it's the one area I always focus on because I know I'll never have Carrie Underwood gams-oh well.
9. Pet peeves: chipped nails, rude drivers, people that don't say please/thank you, and those who cannot process the difference between they're/their/there
10. My biggest fear is failure
11. Only regret in life: tattoo on my senior trip in HS...now that is a story for another day ;)

Here are the questions Ashley posted:

1. What is your profession? I'm a marketing coordinator for a consulting/engineering firm. Mostly, I lead proposals for business development. Other responsibilities include planning national conferences and hosting client events, and developing advertising/arketing collateral for industry trade magazines. Does that even make sense to anyone other than me?
2. How would you describe your style? Classic, with a bit of trendy. The older I get, the more I learn it's all about buying staple pieces I can use over and over again, yet incorporating fun trendy pieces for that particular season. I am extremely budget savvy when it comes to shopping, and I am obsessed with dresses. It's more like an addiction. I think it's time to do another blog sale soon.
3. What one make-up product can you not live without? Just one? That is hard. But if I could only pick one, I'd say mascara. I have blonde eyelashes so applying a bit makes my eyes look brighter and bigger. My favorite hands down is Clinique's Lash Doubling Mascara.
4. If you could be besties with one celebrity, who would it be? Reese Witherspoon..us southern gals need to stick together, and just because she seems to have a very balanced life.
5. What is your dream vacation? I've never been to Italy and it is something we talk about all the time. Jeff studied abroad there and fell in love with everything about it. It's my parent's favorite vacation spot, too, so I know it would be incredible to see. Funny enough, we were planning a trip there until we found out we were pregnant. Italy can wait for a bit ;).
6. What magazines do you subscribe to? Southern Living, and thanks to the BFF, Bon Appetite. Others I want to add to my monthly reads are House Beautiful, Self, and Shape.
7. If you could have a special talent {that you don't currently have}, what would it be? To play the piano. My Mom tried to get me to take lessons, yet I had zero interest, but now it's something I wish I could do because I think it would help me to relax when I have a rough day.
8. What is your favorite breakfast food? I'm a cereal addict, but when I have time, there is nothing better than a belgium waffle with strawberries and whipped cream!
9. If you could do anything, what is your dream job? Opening my own business. I've divulged a little of that and plans are in the works, but this is something I am putting a lot of thought into because it's overwhelming with so many moving bits and pieces, and it is an undertaking that is going to occupy much of my time. I promise to give more details when I can!
10. What is your guilty pleasure? Any type of dessert I can get my hands on and reality TV.
11. What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and who gave it to you? I don't think I can think of one single piece of advice that stands above any others. My family and friends teach me things all the time-to always try my best, to be kind to others, and to live my life for me and no one else. I think that is all any of us can ask for.

With that, the 11 ladies I am tagging are...and yes, I am using the same 11 questions ;)
Kate at Every Mile a Memory
April at A. Liz Adventures
Shari at The Daily Dish
Melissa at For the Love
CMae at Happiness Is...
Jayme at Kentucky Blonde
Candace at Mrs. Southern Belle
Natasha at Schue Love
Tess at Tea Time with Tess
Darci at The Good Life
Tracy at Then I Got to Thinking

Perfect Holiday Treats

Let's face it, I've been cooking and baking a little less frequently lately since we've had some slight changes--understatement of the year. However, with the holidays in full swing, I can't help but want to get back in the kitchen with my apron on to whip up some tasty, festive treats...today, I am linking up with Natasha over at Schue Love for the Christmas Cheer Party:

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies via Recipe Girl

Peppermint Bark Rice Krispies via Our Best Bites

Pistachio Cupcakes via The Girl Who Ate Everything

Candy Cane Punch via Taste of Home

Reindeer Corn Cookie Bark via Your Home-Based Mom

Frozen Peppermint Cheesecake via Smuckers

Peppermint Crunch Milk Chocolate Cookies
from Culinary Concoctions by Peabody

Can you tell I'm just a girl who loves anything and everything peppermint? I can't seen to get enough!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I get excited every Wednesday when it's time to play this game...it's easy to get down or get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work, everyday commitments, extracurricular activites, and such, but to take a few minutes to talk about the happies seem to brighten my spirits--hope it does for you, too! This week, I am loving...

Blogs featuring Halloween parties--I can't get enough of the
fun and festive ideas lingering out there!

via The Party Dress

via Celebrations at Home

Crisp mornings when it's just a bit chilly...perfect time to break out all my fall scarves!

Planning our tailgate for this weekend's big game...UT vs. GA! We've got some fun lined up, and we'll be tailgating all day before kick-off at 7PM

Everyone that participated in the "Introduce Yourself" game..I cannot wait to sit down and spend some time reading your blogs--thanks so much! I hope you enjoyed it, too ;)

This donut tree...need I say more? Jeff is obsessed with Krispy Kreme
so this will be his next birthday cake for sure!!

via One Charming Party

Busy weekends coming up...our calendars are booked for the next
8 weekends with so many exciting events--one reason why I love fall.

What I'm Loving Wednesday... The Best Things About Fall

With never-ending rain and colder temperatures here in Music City, today has me thinking about fall and how it's quickly turning into my favorite season...

I'm loving the debut of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbuck's, which shows hot drinks are back and my money will be dwindling down because I can't resist that tasty treat

I'm loving the return of football. I think everyone knows this girl's love of the all-american sport--I'll always root for the VOLS, but we tend to watch any and every game just because we can't get enough

I'm loving planning our upcoming fall happenings. Birthday celebrations, trips, tailgating, and the Bell Buckle Craft Fair. So much going on that there is never a dull moment.

I'm loving that I can finally start breaking out the scarves and bBoots...my go to wearables for fall--perfect for work and gallivanting around town on the weekends.

And finally, I am loving that a week from tomorrow, we will be headed to the BEACH!! This trip could not come at a better time...rest and relaxation, plus plenty of fun to celebrate Andy's birthday--woo hoo!! Counting down the days

So, what are you loving this week?? Visit Jamie's blog to let us know!

P.S. for those ladies asking about the "weekend wearables" from my post yesterday, the orange romper came from Blush here in Nashville, and the gray linen dress is from Anthropologie...happy shopping ;)

10 Day You Challenge..Day 1: Ten Secrets

I stumbled across this fun little blogging party over at Leggings are NOT Pants and thought this link-up was just too fun to not participate in...plus, I haven't done one of these in quite some time so this should be interesting! {plus, I can do anything for 10 days--not something that is so long that I tend to get burnt out!}

1. I secretly sometimes wish Jeff and I would've moved to NYC. I miss the hustle and bustle of city life so much it seems like I missed out on something I really think I was meant to do.  
2. I have a phobia of white foods {sauces and condiments mostly}.
3. I want to be my own boss one day.
4. I want to combine all my family and friends' recipes into a cookbook. I love homemade gifts.
5. I am sick of writing thank-you notes...with late gifts still coming, I am OVER IT.
6. I know every word to the Wicked soundtrack. {and yes, it is that good}
7. I don't like to share. People closest to me know, but others do not. And yes, it drives Jeff nuts!
8. I doodle all the time...at my desk, in meetings, on conference calls.
9. If I could trade places with any person for a day, I would want to be Beyonce. Singing, dancing, and roaming around the world, I think that would be the life!
10. I am horrible at keeping secrets...it's most certainly not my strongest trait.

DIY Crafting Skills

OK so I know I am not the most savvy Do It Yourselfer, but I find inspiration from those in the blogging world that are, and then borrow steal their ideas...easy enough, right? Here are some fun and fabulous DIY side projects that I am most certainly going to try on my own--need a little fun to keep my mind occupied!

Book Page Wreath via Living with Lindsay {and sent to me by April}

Colored Chalkboard Vases via Centsational Girl

Decorative Tray via Martha Stewart

Weathered Sign Tutorial via Restoration House

Jute Twine Wreath via Jones Design Company

DIY Jewelry Tree via Centsational Girl

Chevron Art via Decor8

So tell me, what are your favorite crafts and DIY projects you've attempted?? Post your comment and link back to your blog or the blog you found the tutorial at...I would love to try some fun new projects this summer!!

It's Time to Grill...Recipes for Summer Entertaining

Is it just me or does every other lady out there find it easier to get her macho chef cooking away during the summer? Jeff and I definitely take advantage of the summer temperatures and availability of grilling options to make our dinners easier and faster, too! I found some fabulous new grilling recipes and wanted to share: 

Grilled Shrimp, Mango, and Guacamole Bites via Tasty Kitchen

Grilled Nachos via Williams Sonoma

Grilled Apple Salad with Brown Sugar Vinegarette Dressing via TK

Grilled Corn Salad via Mels Kitchen Cafe

Grilled Balsamic Pork Tenderloin via Recipe Girl

Grilled Chicken and Goat Cheese Panini via Tasty Kitchen

Perfect Grilled Burgers via Mels Kitchen Cafe

Grilled Swordfish with Rosemary via Recipe Girl

Grilled Bananas Foster via Woman's Day

Grilled Skillet Peach Pie via Better Homes and Gardens

Grilled Pound Cake with Berries via Taste of Home

The Thunder Rolls and Top 2 Tuesday

OK so for all you local ladies, I am certain I am not alone in that yesterday was a scary, scary day in and around Nashville. Tornado warnings, sirens going off, power out everywhere--it just wasn't a pretty picture whatsoever. I don't do so well in the scary weather and I am not afraid to admit it.... something about natural disasters and my inability to do anything scares me silly.

We had a bit of damage at work, with loads of trees down at the park across the street, and had to forego power for the rest of the afternoon, but lucky for me I was able to go home and work via the comfort of my office. I hope everyone is OK and safe!!
As for today, it's clear skies, yet chilly temps---seriously, will I ever get to start wearing sandals and springtime attire?? I am willing and VERY ready!!!
I wanted to play along with Taylor today for her Top 2...I love my music and couldn't think of running/exercising without my beloved iPod and crazy amounts of playlists:

Top 2 Songs on My iPod

Single Ladies--Beyonce

Yes, it's true...I love me some Beyonce and this song is the BEST song when at the gym!!

Britney Spears--I'm a Slace For You

Hate away if necessary dear readers, but I have forever been and forever will be a Britney fan! I find her to be so intriguing and her music makes me want to sing and dance all the time, like the pop star I know I am--HAHA!

Wednesday...Oh the Love!

Today I want to forgeo my traditional Wedding Wednesday post... I'll mention that yes, the flowers are done and done and I couldn't be happier with the end result and our rehearsal dinner invitations were delivered yesterday afternoon and they are exactly what I wanted. Other than that, the wedding is taking a backseat on the blog this week so I can talk about other important {and maybe not-so important things}:

What I am loving this week...and yes, feel free to play along over at Jamie's blog

I am loving the springtime weather and sun that has taken over Nashville the past 4 days--a girl could get used to this--sadly though, the thunder rolls this way later on this afternoon...boo!

I am loving this Cookies and Milk party idea over at Celebrations at Home...wouldn't this be fun for a ladies only sleepover party?

I am loving getting all sorts of online coupons delivered to my inbox...this is definitely helping my shopping addiction for anything wedding related

I am loving that I got some great news yesterday...2 huge proposals I slaved over were big wins in my firm and are going to be bringing lots of revenue--makes me actually enjoy my job--winning!

I'm loving that I didn't give up caffeine for Lent...chocolate I am coping with, however, coffee would be a monstrosity at this point--I need it to function!

I'm loving that I get to go home tonight and cook the boy dinner... for some reason, putting on one of my fun aprons while drinking a glass of wine and listing to our favorite playlists always makes for an excellent night at home

Leaving you with some of my favorite inspiration to get you through hump day!!